Drink-drive mum crashes car with her three kids on board on way home from family wedding — (Manchester Evening News)

Manchester Evening News

By Stan Miller

2 Dec 2013 07:29

Ann Purcell, 46, was found swaying by the side of her people carrier which had struck the kerb in Worsley at midnight.

A boozy mum crashed her car containing three of her children after leaving a family wedding reception – three times over the drink drive limit.

Ann Purcell, 46, was found swaying by the side of her people carrier which had struck the kerb in Worsley at midnight.

Magistrates in Manchester heard she had consumed eight half pints of lager at the reception in Swinton .

Purcell, of Walker Road, Winton, admitted: “That is a lot for me.”

She pleaded guilty to driving after consuming excess alcohol on November 13. She was banned for two years and given a four month 8 pm–7am curfew.

The court heard her car contained six passengers – including three of her children, two aged 10 and nine, magistrates heard.

On seeing the police, Purcell threw her keys into the Renault Espace.

Prosecutor Tina Cunnane said: “According to officers she was very drunk, her eyes were glazed, slurred speech – and she was unsteady on her feet.”

Declan Doherty, defending, said Purcell realised very quickly that she was in no state to drive and hit the kerb while pulling up.

“She is full of remorse and apologies,” added Mr Doherty.

In interview Purcell said during the evening she had taken anti-depressants which had made her feel worse. “I left the reception because I was concerned the car would get blocked in – I needed it for the school run in the morning,” she added. She was also ordered to pay £85 costs and £60 surcharge.